Conquer the Criticism!

No matter how it reaches you, critical comments from your boss can be pretty hard to swallow. No matter whether it’s a yearly review or an impromptu conversation, it can be tough.

However, regardless how it’s delivered, criticism can actually help you in your career….when you know how to deal with it!

First off, don’t let your nerves get the best of you. While it’s difficult to hear someone critique your work, especially your boss, it doesn’t mean your job is in jeopardy or they think you are inept. If your manager didn’t want to see you stick around they wouldn’t even bother to criticize you.

Secondly, you always need to have a plan, you can even look at the situation as a learning experience. Find out all you can about the discrepancy in expectations, ask questions on how you can improve. Always make sure your boss knows you are willing and able to do what it takes to improve your task and ask for a timeframe to complete it.

When listening to your criticism, you cannot let your emotions to get in the way. This can be quite difficult if you start feeling defensive, tempers can flare or you may even feel like crying. While keeping your emotions in check, tell your supervisor that you want time to think things over and make a time to discuss it at a later date, it’s a perfect way to gather your thoughts.

Sometimes even bosses get it wrong. If you think this is the case, make sure you check all the facts and don’t react defensively. You’re more likely to be listened to if you act responsibly with respect.

No matter whether you want to leave your job or not, remember you are still employed there and you really must maintain a sense of professionalism towards your manager even if you’ve received some harsh criticism.

Try to look at any constructive feedback as a way to progress and learn more about your business. Of course positive feedback is more enjoyable to receive but criticism can be a great thing too, as long as you handle it right!

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Founded by Dave Baney, 55 Questions is a discovery process to help CEOs and their management teams create a clear picture of their business’s current state, determine daunting but attainable growth goals, and shape the path to reach that destination.